Automatic wrapping machine



rah 28, 1939. A. o. SHAFER AUTOMATIC WRAPPING MACHINE Filed Nov. 5, 1954 12 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR.

ATTORNEY March 28, 1939. A, Q SHAFER 52330 AUTOMATIC WRAPPING MACHINE Filed Nov. 5, 1934 12 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR.

6 MM/q ATTORNEY.

V Mai-ch zawisa A. O-SHAFER 2,152,330

AUTOMATIC WRAPPING MACHINE Filed Nov. 5, 1934 12 sheets-sheet 5 A TTORNEY.

March 28, 1939. A SHAFER 2,152,330

AUTOMATIC WRAPPING MACHINE Filed Nov. 5, 1934 7 l2 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR.

March 28,- 1939.

A. o SHAPE-R s MACHINE AUTOMATI C WRAPPIN Filed Nov. 3, 1954 Y 12 Sheets-Shet s [WK/fi/MATTORNEY.

March 28, 1939. FER 2,152,330

AUTOMATIC WRAPPING MACHINE Filed Nov. 5, 1954 12 Sheets-Sheet 8 Zalafl 1m. INVENTOR.

KM/KMATTORNEY Q March 28, 1939.

AUTOMATI C WRAPPING MACHINE Filed Nov. 3, 1934 FIG. I7A.

INVENTOR.

""A TTORNEY.

A. o SHAFER 2,152,330,

12 SheetsSheer. 9

March 28, 1939. A. o SHAFER 2,152,330,

AUTOMATIC WRAPP ING MACHINE Filed Nov. 5, 1954 12 Sheets-Sheet. 10

March 28, 1939. A. ov SHAFER AUTOMAT I C WRAPP ING MACHINE 12 Sheets-Sheet 11 Filed NOV. 3, 1934 March 28, 192.9.v

A. O, SHAFER AUTOMATIC WRAPPING MACHINE Filed Nov. 3', 1934 l2 Sheets-Sheet 12 INVENTOR.

Patented Manes, 1939 2,152,330

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE AUTOMATIC WRAPPING MACHINE.

Alvin 0. Shafer, Lansing, Mich., assignor to Rikerd Lumber Company, Lansing, Mich a corporation of Michigan Application November 3, 1934, Serial No. 752,601

12 Claims. (Cl. 93-2) This invention relates to automatic wrapping Figure 4 illustrates the position of the block and machines and more particularly to machines of wrapping material before the forming operations;

that character adapted to permanently apply Figures 5 to 7 inclusive illustrate diagrammatipreformed paper wrappers to wood blocks. cally the mechanism for applying a preformed 5 The many advantages and novel features of the section of wrapping material to a block; 5

present invention will fully appear in the following Figure 8 is a diagrammatic illustration in eledescription when read in connection with the acvation of the driving mechanism forming a part companying drawings. A brief outline of the of the machine illustrated in Figures 1 and 2;

construction and operation of the machine is Figure 9 is a top plan view of the driving mech- 10 here given as a preface to the detailed descripanism illustrated in Figure 8; 1 tion which will follow. Figure 10 is a sectional view of the machine As indicated above, the principal object of the taken on substantially the line l0lll of Figinvention is the provision of a machine adapted ure 1;

to permanently apply preformed wrappers to Figure 11 is a sectional view taken on substanwood blocks. The machine embodying the inventially the line Il-|l of Figure 1; 15 tion includes an endless carrier for the wood Figure 12.is a sectional view taken on substanblocks to be wrapped and a movable carrier for tially the line I2--|2 of Figure 1; the preformed sections of wrapping material. Figure 13 is a partial plan view of the machine The actual wrapping of the blocks is effected in illustrating the stripper, picker and conveyor a portion of the machine identified as the formmechanism; 20 ing box. Figure 14 is a view taken on substantially the Suitable mechanism is provided for applying line I 4I 4 of Figure 11; adhesive to a section of the preformed wrapping Figure 15 is a view takenon substantially the material and thereafter delivering that section to line |5-l5 of Figure 11;

5 a position adjacent an inlet opening to the form- Figure 16 is a view taken on substantially the ing box. Immediately after the section of wrapline |6l6 of Figure 2; ping material is placed in position adjacent the Figure 17 is a View taken on substantially the opening of the forming box, a block to be wrapped line I 1-l'l of Figure 2'; is positioned adjacent but in spaced relation to Figure 17a is a partial view of the picker pitthe wrapping material. man and operating cam; 30

When the block and wrapping material have Figure 18 is a view taken on substantially the been properly aligned with each other and the line l8'-I8 of Figure 10; inlet opening of the forming box, a plunger forces Figure 19 is a view taken on substantially the the block against the wrapping material and into line l9l9 of Figure 18 the forming box between a series of rollers which Figure 20 is a sectional view taken on substan- .35

press the wrapping material against four sides of tially the line 20-20 of Figure 18; the block, causing it to adhere firmly thereto. Figure 21 is a side View in elevation of a por- Thereafter a second plunger forces the block and tion of the picker mechanism; wrapping material out of the box through an out- Figure 22 is a bottom plan view of the picker let opening between a second series of rollers mechanism illustrated in Figure 21; and 40 which press the wrapping material against and Figure 23 is a sectional view taken on substanseals the same to the other two surfaces of the tially the line 23-23 of Figure 22. block. As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 the machine The foregoing operations are automatically reembodying the present invention is supported l5 peated at suitable intervals so that there is a upon a d positioned between two frame continuous flow of blocks and wrapping material bers Ill. The frame merely serves as a support into the forming box. and protection for the operating mechanism.

In the accompanying drawings: The machine is adapted to permanently apply Figure 1 is a top plan view of the machine ema section of wrapping material 20 of the shape bodying the present invention; illustrated in Figure 3 to a wood block 15 which 50 Figure 2 is a side view in elevation of'the mais illustrated in Figures 4, 11 and 15. A section chine shown in Figure 1 with one side of the frame of wrapping material 20 coated with adhesive removed; and a block I5 are delivered to a position adjacent Figure 3 is a plan view of a section of prethe inlet opening of a forming box I! and are formed wrapping material employed; thereafter forced through the forming box whereby the wrapper is permanently secured to the block. The section of wrapping material is de-' livered to the forming box before the block IS. the mechanism for applying adhesive to the wrapping material and for delivering the same to the forming box will now be described. The mechanism for delivering the blocks I5 to the forming box will be described later.

Referring to Figure 3 it will be observed that the wrapping material 20 is preformed in the shape of a cross. The longer portion of the cross is designed to cover four sides of the block and the two arms of the cross the other two sides of the block. The elevator A quantity of these preformed sections of wrapping material is placed on a vertically movable carrier or elevator 2| slidably mounted on vertical frame members 2|a and 2|b (see Figures 2, 10, 12 and 17). The elevator includes a platform 22 positioned at the upper extremity thereof. Four vertical guide members 24 are mounted upon a stationary cross member 25 of the frame. These guides are positioned with respect to the platform 22 of the elevator 2| whereby to properly position the sections of Wrapping material 20 upon the same. The guides 24 contactthe sections of wrapping material at the intersection between the long and short portions thereof. The guides 24 are adjustably secured to table 25 at their lower extremities whereby they may be properly aligned to hold the wrapping material the desired position. A retention spring 24a is secured to each of the guides 24 adjacent the upper extremity'thereof. These springs include finger portions overlying the top section of wrapping material 20. As will be described hereinafter, springs 2||a-prevent the removal from the elevator 2| of more than one section of wraping material at a time.

The picker The wrapping material 20 is removed from the elevator 2|, one section at a time by a picker 26 (Figs. 10, 12, 1'7, 21 22 and 23). In order to properly position the wrapping material for contact by the picker the elevator is raised from time to time during the operation of the machine until the supply of wrapping material carried on the platform 22 is exhausted. When this occurs the machine is automatically stopped. The mechanism for raising the elevator is dependent for its actuation upon the picker mechanism. A description of the same will be deferred until the picker mechanism has been described.

As previously described, the preformed sections of wrapping material 20 are in the shape of a cross. The picker 26, which is best shown in Figures 21 to 23 inclusive, likewise includes a contact surface in the shape of a cross which is adapted to completely cover the surface of one section of wrapping material. The picker removes the wrapping material from the elevator one section at a time. Briefly, this is accomplished by applying adhesive to the picker and then pressing the picker against a section of the Wrapping material, the adhesive on the picker causing the wrapping material to adhere thereto. As the picker is moved away from the elevator, one section of wrapping material is removed from the elevator. Recesses 260 are provided in the picker 26 (see Figs. 22 and 23) for the reception of finger portions of retention springs 24a. when the picker contacts the uppermost section of wrapping material on elevator 2|. As the picker removes the uppermost section of wrapping material the fingers release that section but snap back to prevent the underlying section from being removed also.

After the section of Wrapping material is picked up by the picker it is then necessary to strip the Wrapping material from the picker. This is accomplished by mechanism referred to as a stripper. As the wrapping material is stripped from the picker a conveyor engages the wrapping material and transfers it to the forming box all as will be described more in detail presently.

The picker proper, as indicated in Figures 21 to 23 inclusive, is in the form of an aluminum head attached to a base 2? by screws 28. The base includes a projection 29 by means of which the picker is connected to a reciprocal plunger. It is important that the picker head 26 be formed of some material to which adhesive may be readily applied and which will transfer the adhesive to and distribute the same uniformly over a section of the wrapping material 26. While it is preferred to utilize an aluminum head for this purpose, other materials having these requisite characteristics may be employed if desired.

The picker head is provided with a plurality of longitudinal and transverse grooves or channels 26a and 26b which receive the strands of wire forming the stripper and permit the contact surface of the picker to project through the stripper and engage a section of the wrapping material. Two of the longitudinal recesses are enlarged to permit the passage therethrough of a portion of the conveyor.

The projection 29 of picker 26 is secured to the lower extremity'of a vertical plunger 30 (Figs. 2, 10). For the purpose of guiding the picker the plunger 30 is mounted within and extends through a bearing 3| carried by the cross frame member 32. At its upper extremity the plunger 30 is pivotally connected to the free extremity of link 33. The opposite extremity of link 33 is pivotally connected to the frame It as indicated at 34. The connection at 34 is such as to permit some longitudinal play between the link 33 and the stationary member to which it is pivotally connected.

The plunger 30 and the-picker 26 connected thereto are reciprocated vertically by means of a pitman 35 pivotally connected to link 33 at its upper extremity and operatively associated with a conventional cam 36 at its lower extremity. Cam 36 is secured to shaft 3? which is driven by means of a suitable belt 38 from the main drive shaft 39. A spring 33a secured to link 33 and cross frame member 32 tends to hold it in its lowered position.

Adhesive applying mechanism At the upper limit of movement of the picker 26 adhesive is applied to the contact surface thereof by the mechanism now to be described. An adhesive container or glue pot 46 is positioned on a support 4| secured to the frame l0 as indicated in Figures 1, l0 and 19. A roller 42 is mounted to rotate in the pct 40 with at least a portion thereof in contact with the adhesive contained Within the pot. Roller 42 is mounted upon a shaft'43 which is journalled in bearings 44 at opposite sides of the pot 46. The ends of roller 42 are recessed to receive the bearings 44 which are supported by the supporting members aiua-sso 3 45 and held in position, to act as a seal whereby to prevent the escape of adhesive from the pot along the shaft 43, by means of screw threaded devices 46 mounted upon frame members 45 so as to press against the outer ends of bearings 44.

Shaft 43 extends'beyond the adhesive container 46 at both sides thereof (see Fig. 18). At one side there is associated with the shaft a clutch arrangement 4'! to facilitate the demounting 6f the adhesive container without dismantling the entire machine. The clutch includes a sprocket wheel 48 by means of which the shaft 43 is rotated. A drive chain 49 passes over idle wheel 48a and operatively connects wheel 48with the drive wheel 56 carried on shaft 5|. Shaft 51 is rotated through suitable belt and pulley connections with auxiliary drive shaft 52 (seeFigs. 8 and 10).

A scraper 53 is provided to assure the even distribution of adhesive on the roller 42. The scraper is pivotally mounted on the frame 45 as shown in Figure 19. A plurality of adjusting screws 54 are positioned behind the scraper 53 whereby the scraper may be accurately adjust ed to vary the quantity of adhesive carried by roller 42. This is an essential feature of the present invention because of thefact that u1ti-' mately adhesive is distributed over substantially the entire surface of the section of wrapping material. It is important that the entire surface of the wrapping material be covered and yet that there be no globules or lumps in the adhesive, as that would impair the appearance of the finished article and prevent a satisfactory seal of the wrapper to the block.

Adhesive is first transferred from roller 42 to a travelling roller 55 and from roller 55 to the contact surface of picker 26. Roller 55 (Figs. 10, 19) is mounted upon a support 56 which is in turn mounted upon the bearing rods 51. Rods 5'! are supported from the cross frame member 32 by a yoke 58.

Roller 55 is moved transversely of the machine in and out of contact with roller 42 by means of a drive connection with cam 59 which is mounted upon shaft l8l. This connection includes a link 66 pivotally connected to the roller support 56, a lever 6| pivotally connected at its upper extremity to link 60 and pivotally connected at its lower extremity to a subframe member 62. A pitman 63 has one end thereof connected to cam 59 in a conventional manner and its opposite end pivotally connected to lever 6!. By means of the connections 60, 6| and 63 the roller support 55 is actuatedto move back and forth along the bearing rods 57.

When the traveling adhesive roller 55 is moved to the left (Fig. 10) it contacts the stationary adhesive roller 42 in adhesive pot 46. At the same time a gear wheel 64 at one end of roller 55 contacts gear wheel 65 at the corresponding end of shaft 43 whereby roller 55 is positively rotated against roller 42. In this manner adhesive is transferred from roller 42 to roller55 uniformly. It will be observed that gear 64 as,- sociated with roller 55 is smaller than gear 65 associated with the shaft carrying roller 42. Consequently roller 55 is rotated faster than roller 42. This difference in speed of the two rollers facilitates the transfer of adhesive to roller 55.

Considerable diiiculty is frequently experienced in obtaining an even distribution of adhesive on roller 55. To overcome this difficulty cam 59 is designed to hold roller 55 againstroller 42 while the latter makes one complete revolution and then to move roller 55 slightly away from roller 42 while the latter makes another complete revolution. In this manner any film or excess of adhesive which is built up along the line of contact between the two rollers during the first complete revolution is permitted to drop back into adhesive pct 46 during the second revolution. Immediately below the line of contact between rollers 42' and 55 is positioned a wire 55a (Fig. 19) which helps to strip from roller 55 any excess of adhesive which may have collected thereon. The direction of rotation of rollers 42 and 55 is indioatedby the direction arrows in Figure 19.

Adhesive is transferred from roller 55 to picker 26 when thesupport 56 is moved along bearing rods 51 to the right of Figure 10. It has been found essential to rotate roller 55 during the period of contact between that roller and picker 26 in order to obtain an even distribution of adhesive over the contact surface of picker 26. For this purpose there is provided a series of stationary teeth 66 (Figs. 11 and 14) which are engaged by the teeth of gear wheel 64 associated with roller 55. As the roller 55 approaches the picker 26, gear wheel 64 meshes with the teeth 6 causing the roller 55 to be rotated against the contact surface of picker 26. Teeth 66 are mounted upon cross frame member 61.

After the roller 55 has passed over the contact surface of picker 26 and moved to the right thereof (Fig. 10) picker 26 is actuated-to move downwardly into contact with the uppermost section of the wrapping material 20 positioned on elevator 2 l. The adhesive on the contact surface of picker 26 enables the picker to pick up one section of the wrapping material andlift it away from the elevator. The section of wrapping material is then stripped from the picker by the stripper mechanism now to be described.

The stripper The stripper mechanism, as best shown in Figures 10, 12 and 13, consists of a frame 16 supported by the conveyor track 68 immediately over I the elevator 2 i. The conveyor track, consisting of two spaced apart members, is in turn supported from the table 25 by means of a plurality of upright supports 69. T2 are secured to frame 16. The wire H is arranged longitudinally of the wrapping material carried on elevator 2| and the two spaced apart wires T2 are arranged transversely of the wrapping material. Conventional tightening arrangements, as illustrated at 13, are employed for keeping the wires H and 72 tight.

At the upper limit of its movement the picker 26 is positioned above the: stripper with the longitudinal recess 26a in alignment with wire H and with transverse recesses 26b in alignment with the wires 12. When the picker is actuated by the pitman 35 to move downwardly the recesses 26a and 26b receive the wires H and 72 respectively, and permit the contact surface of the picker to project below the wires and engage the top surface of the uppermost section of wrapping material on the elevator 2| (as clearly shown in Figure 12).

When the picker is moved upwardly away from the elevator 21 the wires HI and 12, which are stationary, strike the section of wrapping material 26 carried by the picker 26 and strip the same from the picker. As the section of wrapping material is stripped from the picker a conveyor vl I3 A plurality of wires H and engages the same and transfers it to the forming box. Before describing the construction and operation of this conveyor mechanism a brief description will be given of the feeler mechanism by means of which the elevator is maintained at a proper position for the picker to contact a section of the wrapping material so long as there is a supply of wrapping material on the elevator.

The automatic operation of the elevator The feeler mechanism really consists of means for progressively raising the elevator as the supply of wrapping material carried thereon is diminished. This mechanism is dependent for its actuation upon the movement of the picker. When the sup-ply of wrapping material on the elevator has been lowered to a point where the picker will just barely contact the wrapping material the throw of the picker is sufiicient to actuate the mechanism for raising the elevator slightly. Sometimes the elevator will be moved at each stroke of the picker, as when there is an adequate supply of wrapping material on theelevator, which is compressed at each stroke of the picker. On the other hand when the supply of wrapping material on the elevator is approaching exhaustion, the elevator may not be moved except once for every several strokes of the picker. The mechanism for raising the elevator is shown best in Figures 2, 10, l2, 16, 17 and 17A.

As shown in Figures 12 and 16, a series of vertically positioned rack teeth I4 are secured to one side of the elevator 2|. These teeth mesh with the teeth of a gear wheel I5 carried by shaft I6. Shaft I6 has secured to its outer extremity exteriorly of the casing ID a hand Wheel 16a by means of which the shaft may be rotated manually. There is secured to shaft I6 adjacent the gear wheel I5 a clutch member 11, which cooperates with clutch member I8 to transfer the driving force to shaft I6. Shaft I6 floats within the clutch portion I8 and is not connected thereto. A worm wheel I9 is mounted upon clutch portion 78. It is rotated by a worm gear 86 mounted upon shaft 8|. 7

A ratchet wheel 82 is secured to one extremity of shaft 8|. Ratchet wheel 82 is actuated by a pawl 84 carried by a carrier 83 pivotally connected to shaft 8|. The carrier 83 is also pivotally connected to one extremity of a pitman 85. The opposite extremity of pitman is secured to the picker pitman 35 as best shown in Figure 10. At the extreme lower stroke of pitman 85 pawl 84 is moved to the right (Fig. 17) into engagement with the next tooth on wheel 82. On the upstroke of pitman 85 pawl 84 causes a partial rotation of wheel 82 and shaft 8 I. Pawl 84 is held in position by means of a spring 84a secured to carrier 83.

Thus it will be seen that the actuation of shafts 8| and I6 is dependent upon the cam movement utilized for the actuation of the picker 26. In this manner the progressive upward movement of the elevator 2| is controlled by the movement of the picker.

The upward movement of the elevator 2| is dependent upon the extent of the downward stroke of picker 26. This is accomplished through a novel cam arrangement. The cam 36 which actuates picker 26 through the movement of pitman 35 is shown in Figure 17A. The pitman 85 and associated ratchet mechanism are of suitable proportions and so secured to pitman 35 as to cause an index of ratchet wheel 82 only when the roller 86 associated with pitman 35 is at the lowermost portion 81 of the camsurface of cam 36.

Roller 86 can only reach this lowermost portion 81 of cam 36 when spring 33a forces picker 26 to its lowermost position.

When the supply of wrapping material on the elevator 2| is at a height suflicient to prevent spring 33a from forcing picker-26 to its lowermost position then the roller 86 associated with pitman 35 does not engage surface 81 of cam 36 with the result that there is no movement of the elevator 2 I. On the other hand when the supply of wrapping material on elevator 2| has been reduced to a height whereby spring 33a may force picker 26 to its lowermost position then roller 86 contacts surface 8! of cam 36 and the stroke of pitman 85 is long enough to cause a partial rotation of shaft 8| through the action of pawl 84 upon ratchet wheel 82. This partial rotation of shaft 8| is transferred to gear I5 and thence to elevator 2| through the worm and gear 80 and I9, the clutch I8 and I1 and the shaft I6.

Thus it will be seen that the indexing mechanism by means of which the elevator is progressively raised to position the wrapping material for contact by the picker 26 is actuated only when the picker can no longer contact the wrapping material. So long as the downward movement of the picker is limited by striking the wrapping material 20 on the elevator 2| the indexing mechanism does not operate. In this manner the position of the elevator is made directly responsive to the requirements of the picker.

The driving mechanism of the entire machine is operated by an electrical motor. The electrical current to the motor passes through a switch box I2 secured to the frame I0 (Figure 17). The power mechanism will be described in detail later. At the present time there will be described the mechanism for automatically throwing the switch in switch box I2 whenever the supply of wrapping material on elevator 2| is exhausted and for automatically preventing the operation of the machine while the elevator is in its lowered position as when the supply of wrapping material is being replenished.

The safety switch Referring particularly to Figure 17 it will be observed that the elevator 2| is provided with a longitudinal groove 88 in one side thereof. This groove terminates at its upper extremity in a cam surface 89 and at its lower extremity in a stop 90. A trip arm 9| is pivotally mounted at 94 on a frame member Zlb with the opposite extremities of the frame located in the groove 88. The upper extremity of arm 9| is provided with a cam surface 92 adapted to engage cam surface 89 and its lower extremity is provided with a stop 93 adapted to engage the stop 98.

Bracket 9|a is rigidly connected to arm 9| by screws 95. The upper extremity of arm 9| is connected to a toggle mechanism indicated generally at 96 by means of a link 91. The toggle mechanism 96 includes a lever 98 engaging switch lever 99 depending from switch box I2.

When the elevator 2| reaches its upper limit of its travel stop contacts the stop 93 on arm 9| causing the upper extremity of arm 9| to be pivoted slightly about pivot 96 to the left (Figure 1'?) This slight pivotal movement of arm 9! is transmitted to the switch lever 99 through the link 97, the toggle 96, and the lever 98. In this manner the switch controlling the power drive for the machine is thrown to the off position.

When the elevator 2| is lowered for the purpose of replenishing the supply of wrapping material in the manner which will be described presently the cam surface 89 at the upper extremity of groove 88 contacts cam surface 92 at the upper extremity of arm 9 I. This arm 9| is again pivoted to the left and throws the switch contained in switch box I2 making the machine inoperative so long as the elevator is in its lowered position.

Means is also provided whereby an operator may throw the switch in switch box I2 by pressing on a foot pedal, not shown. This mechanism consists of a link I pivotally connected at its upper extremity to bracket 9Ia and pivotally connected at its lower extremity to link IOI. Link I0| is in turn pivotally connected to a bottom frame portion I02. There is associated with link ID! a foot pedal which can be reached by an operator standing alongside the machine. By pressing on the foot pedal bracket SM and arm SI are rotated in a counterclockwise direction about the pivot 94 which actuates the switch in switch box I2 as in the other two cases jus described.

The manual operation of the elevator As previously mentionedshaft 16, which drives the gear wheel I engaging the teeth I4 on the side of elevator 2!, floats within the clutch portion I8 and has secured thereto exteriorly of the casing I0 a hand wheel 76a. When the clutch consisting of the parts 11 and I8 is disengaged the elevator 2I may be readily raised or lowered by rotating the hand wheel 16a.

The mechanism for thus disengaging the clutch is best shown in Figures 16 and 17. As there shown, a handle I03 projecting exteriorly of the casing I0 is pivotally connected to a lever I00 which is supported by bracket I05 and in turn pivotally connected to a link I06. Link I00 is connected to clutch portion 'I'I through toggle link mechanism I0'I--I08. The opposite extremity of link I08 is pivotally connected to a bracket I09. When handle I03 is pulled outwardly clutch portion TI is forced against the compression of spring IIO away from clutch portion 18, thereby disengaging shaft I6 from the operating mechanism of the machine. While the clutch is thus disengaged the elevator may be freely raised and lowered by rotating the hand wheel a.

Thus far there has been described the elevator which carries the wrapping material, the picker which removes the wrapping material from the elevator, the adhesive applying mechanism by means of which adhesive is applied to the contact surface of the picker and the mechanism,

for stripping the wrapping material from the picker. The conveyor mechanism which transfers the section of wrapping material from the stripper to the forming box will now be described.

The conveyor The conveyor H3 includes a lower support III and two fingers II2 (see Figures 12 and 13) mounted thereabove. Conveyor I I3 has side portions fitted into longitudinal grooves I I 4 in tracks The conveyor is reciprocated' along the tracks 60 by means of suitable connection with cam H5 (see Figures 2, 8 and 9). Cam H5 is mounted upon a rotatable shaft II5a which is driven from the main drive shaft 39 through suitable drive mechanism.

Cam I I5 is operatively associated with the conveyor I I3 through means of a pitman H6 pivotally connected to a lever H7. The lower ex tremity of lever II! is pivotally connected to a bracket I I 8 secured to the supporting frame memher 62. Between the upper extremity of lever I I1 and conveyor H3 is positioned a driving link II9 which is pivotally connected to the conveyor H3 at one extremity and pivotally connected to the lever II! at its other extremityr As cam I I5 rotates the conveyor is reciprocated along'the tracks 68.

The conveyor and picker operating mechanism are so correlated as to extent and time of movement that the support portion III of the con veyor isbrought to a position beneath the stripper, and the fingers II2 enter recesses 26d just as the picker 26 begins to move upwardly from the elevator. Consequently, as the section of wrapping material is stripped from the picker it falls upon the support portion III of the con- Wrapping material release and positioning mechanism At the extreme limit of movement of the conveyor the section of wrapping material carried thereby is positioned over the inlet opening of forming box IT. a pair of fingers I20 are actuated to engage the longitudinal portion of the wrapping material immediately behind the cross arm portions thereof. Fingers I20 hold the section of wrapping material over the forming box while the conveyor is retracted. I

Fingers I20 are slidably connected to stationary supports as indicated at I2I. They are pivotally connected to bell cranks I22. The bell cranks are pivotally connected at I23 to support I2I. The inner extremities of bell cranks I22 are pivotally connected to links I24. Links I24 are in turn pivotally connected to a vertically reciprocal support I25. The fingers I20 are actuated to engage the section of wrapping material when the support I25 is moved upwardly and to release the wrapping material when the support I25 is moved downwardly.

The mechanism for raising support I25 consists of an arm I20 attached to pin I20a which is pivotallymounted in a bracket I21 secured to cross frame member 6'1. A cam arm I28 is also rigidly attached to the pin I26a adjacent the bracket I21. At its outer extremity cam arm I28 is provided with 2. depending bracket I29 having a. cam surface at I30. Cam surface I30 is positioned alongside the rack teeth 06 which engage the ratchet wheel associated with the traveling adhesive roller 55. Adjacent the ratchet wheel on roller 55 there is positioned a cam roller I30a adapted to engage cam surface I30.

As the adhesive roller 55 travels to the left (Figure 14) the cam roller I30a contacts cam surface I30 and rotates the arms I28 and I26 associated therewith in a clockwise direction raising the support I25 as indicated by the position of these respective parts in Figure 14. A spring I301) is arranged to hold the arm I28 in its raised position and thereby keep fingers I20 in contact with the wrapping material 20after While in that position.

the cam roll I30a associated with adhesive roll 55 has passed back (to the right of Fig. 14) over cam surface I30.

Provision is made for applying a positive downward pressure to the upper extremity of'support I25 in order to insure satisfactory release of the wrapping material 20 by the fingers I20 at the desired time. The means for exerting this pressure against the upper extremity of support I25 consists of a lateral projecting arm I25a (Figs.

tion that end. There is also provided means for aligning what might be termed the forward end of the section of wrapping material. This mechanism consists of a pair of scissorlike fingers I3I (Fig. 15) pivotally mounted at I32. The fingers I3I include integral operating arms I33 which are normally held together by a spring I34. When the arms I33 are together the fingers I3I are in their open position. By spreading the arms I33 the fingers I3I are moved toward each other. Arms I33 are closed by means of a plunger I35 which is carried by block sealing plungers I59, as clearly shown in Figure 11. The construction and operation of this block sealing plunger will be described presently.

By the mechanism just described, the section of wrapping material which is delivered by the conveyor II3 to a position adjacent the forming box I1 is removed from the conveyor and properly aligned over the inlet opening of the forming box. Immediately after this has been done one of the blocks I5 is delivered to a position over the adhesive co'ated surface of the section of wrapping material, and properly aligned with respect thereto and the inlet opening of the forming box without contacting the wrapping material. The mechanism for delivering the block to a position adjacent the forming box and for aligning the same over the wrapping material and the inlet opening of the box will now be described.

The block transferring and positioning 7 mechanism The blocks I5 are delivered to the machine in any suitable manner as by a hopper or the like and are received on an endless belt I36 (see Figs. 1, 2 and 11). Belt I36 is mounted upon pulleys I31 and I38 which are in turn mounted upon shafts I39 and I40, respectively (see Fig. 9). Guideways I4I are provided on each side of the upper part of belt I36 for maintaining the blocks in proper position thereon.

Carrier belt I36 delivers blocks I5 to the position shown in Figure 15 where the blocks strike a stop I42. From this point the blocks are transferred one at a time from the carrier belt I36 to a position over the forming box I1 and the wrapping material by a plunger I43 already in position. Plunger I43 is actuated by a cam. I44 mounted upon shaft I44a.

The stop I42 (Fig. 15) extends to the edge of the inlet opening of forming box I1. As the block I5 is pushed to the right by plunger I43, it slides der I41.

along stop I42 and contacts at its opposite side a resilient guide I45 compressing the guide against the force of spring I46. Guide I45 has an abrupt shoulder at I41. As soon as the back side of the block I5 passes the shoulder I41, guide I45 (due to the action of spring I46) snaps back into the position shown in Figure 15 with the block resting against shoulder I41. A resilient plunger or back stop I48 is positioned to engage the forward face of block I5 before the rear face passes the shoul- Thus, as soon as block I5 does pass the shoulder I41, plunger I48 presses it firmly against the shoulder and against the end of guide stop I42. In this manner the block is properly aligned with the wrapping material and the inlet opening of the forming box I1 while being held in spaced relation to the adhesive coated surface of the wrapping material.

The block and wrapping material at this stage are both in alignment with each other and the inlet opening of the forming box. Before describing the operation by means of which the wrapping material is applied to the block, a brief description will be given of the construction of the forming box itself.

The forming boa:

The forming box I1 is in reality a box in name only. It is open at its upper surface and there is positioned adjacent each of the four sides of this opening a roller I49 (see Figs. 2, 11 and 14). These rollers are designed to press corresponding portions of the wrapping material against the sides of the block I5. Consequently accurate adjustment of these rollers is required. For that purpose there are provided adjusting screws I50 for each of the four rollers I49. By means of these adjusting screws the rollers I49 may be accurately adjusted to the exact position required to provide the necessary pressure against the side of the block I5.

The box I1 is provided with an outlet opening in a side face adjacent but at right angles to the inlet opening. Rollers are provided at the upper and lower edges of this opening. One of the rollers I49 serves as the upper roller and an additional roller I5I is located adjacent the lower edge of the outlet opening. Adjusting screws I52 similar to the screws I50 are associated with roller I5I.

In addition to the inlet and outlet openings for the forming box as just described there are open ings in the bottom face of the forming box opposite the inlet opening and in a side face opposite the outlet opening through which plungers project as will be described presently. The outlet opening communicates through a passageway I53 with a discharge tube I54.

The folding and sealing mechanism The section of wrapping material 20 is folded about and permanently applied to the block I5 by being pressed into and out of the forming box I1 between rollers I49 and I5I by means of a series of reciprocal plungers. First of all a. vertical plunger I55 moves into contact with the lower surface of the section of wrapping material 20 while it is in position over the inlet opening of the forming box I1. An upper vertical plunger I56 then moves downwardly and presses the block I5 against the wrapping material 20 as it is held by the plunger I55. Plungers I55 and I56 then both move downwardly. To compensate for any difference in the speed of movement between the two plungers the contact surface I51 of plunger I55 is resiliently mounted upon a spring I58. Plunger I56 presses the block and wrapping material between rollers I49 whereby the wrapper is folded along the lines 26c and is pressed against four sides of the block I5 and due to the adhesive coating on the wrapper is permanently sealed thereto. 7

As soon as the block I5 passes between the rollers I49 another plunger I59 presses against one side of the block and forces the block and wrapping material out of the forming box between rollers I49 and I 5I thereby pressing the wrapping material against the other two sides of" the block. Again, due to the adhesive coating, the wrapping material is permanently sealed to the other two sides of the block as it passes between rollers I49 and I5I. Plunger I59 presses the block through outlet tube I53 into discharge tube I54.

The manner in which the wrapping material 26 is applied to the block- I5 is diagrammatically illustrated in Figures 4 to 7 inclusive. By reference to Figure 4 it will be seen that the block I5 is positioned over the center of the intersecting portions of the wrapping material 26. Initially the block I5 is held in spaced relation to the wrapping material as'indicated in Figure 4 by plunger I 48 and spring guide I45, previously described, in order to avoid contact with the adhesive contained on the upper surface thereof.

As the plunger I56 presses block I5 and wrapping material 26 downwardly between the four rollers I49 the wrapping material assumes the position shown in Figure 5. This downward movement of the block and wrapping material between rollers I49 seals the sections 26a, 26b, 26c and one-half'of section 20d of the wrapping material to the four vertical sides of block I5. As soon as the block and wrapping material have passed between the rollers I49 the plunger I59 engages the side of the block to which section 26a of the wrapping material is applied and presses the block and wrapping material out of the form ing box between rollers I49 and I51. During this movement the central portion of the wrapping material 20 and the remaining half of section 20d thereof are sealed to the lower and upper sides, respectively, of the block I5. Thus when the block is finally ejected from the forming box by the plunger I59 the wrapping material 26 has been sealed to all six sides of the block. The

- mechanism for actuating plungers I55, I56 and I59 will now be described.

This mechanism is best shown in Figures 2, 8, 9, and 11. The lower extremity of plunger I is pivotally connected to one end of a lever I60. The other end of this lever is pivotally connected to a bracket I6 I secured to the under side of table 25. A pitman I62 is pivotally connected to lever I intermediate its extremities. Pitman I52 is operatively associated with cam I63. Cam I63 is mounted on drive shaft I64. Shaft I64 is rotated from main drive shaft39 through the drive connection indicated at I65.

The plunger I56 is itself in the form of a pitman having its upper extremity associated with cam I66. This cam is mounted on shaft I6! which is driven from auxiliary drive shaft I68 by the drive connection I69. Shaft I68 is rotated by suitable drive connection I16 with shaft I64.

The plunger I59 is likewise in the form of a pitman, its outer extremity being operatively associated with cam III carried by shaft I66.

The movement of cams I63, I66 and III are properly timed to provide the desired sequence in the operation of .plungers I55; I56 and'l59.

After the wrapped block has been ejected from the forming box I! through the outlet tube I53 into the discharge tube I54, a plunger I12 (see Figs. 14 and 15) pushes the wrapped block along the discharge tube I54 toward the outlet thereof. This plunger is actuated by cam I13 mounted upon drive shaft I44a.

The driving mechanism The driving mechanism illustrated diagrammatically in Figures 8 and 9 will now be described. The source of power for the operation of the machine is an electric motor indicated at II4. Power is delivered from the motor II4 to an auxiliary drive shaft II5 by means of a belt I76. The main drive shaft 39 is driven from auxiliary drive shaft I15 by means of a suitable chain drive Ill. The main drive shaft 39 extends completely across the machine as shown in Figure 9 and operates a transversely positioned auxiliary drive shaft 52 through the beveled gears I18.

Auxiliary drive shafts 31 and I64 are operated directly from the main drive shaft 39 by the drive connections 36 and I respectively; Shaft II5a upon which is mounted cam H5 is driven by shaft 31 through drive connection H9. Auxiliary drive shaft I68 furnishes the motive power for shafts I40 and I6! through the drive connections I86 and I 69 respectively. Transverse drive shaft 52 furnishes the driving power for shaft I8I carrying cam 56 through the drive connection I82. Shaft 5I isdriven from shaft I8I by the drive connection I63. Shaft MM is con- Rsum The machine illustrated and described herein is initially supplied with a quantity of preformed sections of wrapping material 20 and blocks I5 to be wrapped. Wrapping material and blocks are delivered one at a time from opposite ends of the machine to a forming box I? through which they are forced by plungers I55, I56 and I59 between rollers I49 and I 5i, whereby the wrapping material is folded about and permanently sealed to the block.

The preformed sections of Wrapping material are initially placed on an elevator 2i. They are removed from the elevator one at a time by a picker 26. Adhesive is transferred to the picker, by means of a roller 55, between each stroke of the picker before it contacts the wrapping material. The picker 26 transfers adhesive to the upper surface of a section of the wrapping material 26 and lifts the same away from the elevator 24. Provision is made for maintaining the elevator 2! at a suitable height for the picker tocontact the wrapping material. In order for the picker to contact the wrapping material a portion thereof is projected through stripper wires II and I2. As the picker lifts the section of wrapping material away from the elevator the wrapping material is stripped from the picker by the stripper wires II and I2.

As the section of wrapping material is stripped from the picker 25 by the stripper, conveyor support III comes into position beneath the section of wrapping material with the fingers H2 overlying the cross arm portions thereof. The wrap- ,ping material is conveyed to a position adjacent the inlet openingof the forming box I? by the conveyor and is held in this position while the conveyor is retracted by the fingers I20. The fingers I20 in cooperation with fingers I3I automatically align the section of wrapping material 20 over the inlet opening of forming box I'I.

As soon as the section of wrapping material is properly positioned over the inlet opening of forming box H, a block I5 is transferred from conveyor belt I36 b-y plunger I43 to a position over the adhesive coated surface of the section of wrapping material. The block is properly aligned with respect to thesection of wrapping material and the inlet opening of the forming box IT by the resilient guide I45 and back stop I 48.

As soon as the block I5 and section of wrapping material 20 are in proper alignment with each other and with the inlet opening to forming box I'I, plunger I55 is brought into contact with the lower surface of the section of wrapping material. Immediately thereafter the plunger I56 presses block I5 downwardly against contact surface I51 of plunger I58 with the Wrapping material between. Plunger I56 presses the block and the wrapping material between rollers I49 whereby the wrapping material is folded about and permanently sealed to the four vertical sides of the block I5.

Plunger I59 then engages a vertical side of block I5 and presses the block and wrapping material out of the forming box between rollers I49 and I5I thereby folding the wrapping material 20 about and sealing the same to the other two sides of block I5.

Plunger I59 presses the wrapped block through outlet tube I53 into discharge tube I54. When the wrapped block enters discharge tube I54 it is forced toward the outlet thereof by plunger The foregoing description of the operation of the machine embodying the present invention has been necessarily limited to the manner in which the machine operates upon a single section of wrapping material and a single block to be wrapped. However, it should be understood that the complete operation just described is auto:- matically repeated at suitable time intervals to provide for a continuous flow of wrapping mate'- rial and blocks to the forming box and a continuous discharge of wrapped blocks from the discharge tube.

The invention herein shown and described is exemplified in a machine for permanently applying a wrapper to a wood block. It should of course be understood that the invention is not limited to this particular use but by obvious modifications may be adapted for use in applying various wrappers to various articles which it is desired to wrap. The scope of the invention is indicated in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. An automatic wrapping machine, including in combination, a forming box having inlet and outlet openings, a plurality of rollers arranged adjacent the edges of each of said openings, a conveyor adapted to transfer a section of wrapping material to a position adjacent the inlet opening of the forming box means independent of said conveyor for engaging the edges oi the wrapping material to position it in alignment with said inlet opening, means for positioning an article to be wrapped adjacent said section of wrapping material, and means for pressing the article to be wrapped and the section of wrapping material into and out of said forming box between said rollers.

2. An automatic article wrapping machine, including in combination, a forming box having inlet and outlet openings, a series of rollers positioned adjacent the edges of said openings, means for applying adhesive to a section of wrapping material, a conveyor adapted to transfer the section of wrapping material to a position adjacent the inlet opening of the forming box means independent of said conveyor for engaging the edges of the wrapping material to position it in alignment with said inlet opening, means for positioning an article to: be wrapped in spaced relation to the section of wrapping material adjacent said inlet opening, and means for successively pressing said article and said section of wrapping material into and out of said forming box between said series of rollers.

3. An article wrapping machine, including in combination,- a forming box having an inlet opening, clamping means arranged at the opposite sides of said inlet opening for engaging a preformed section of wrapping material to align the same with respect to said inlet opening,

means for positioning an article to be wrapped in alignment with said inlet opening, a plunger arranged to press said article against said wrapping material and into the forming box through said inlet opening, and means associated with said plunger for causing the clamping means to disengage the section of wrapping material be fore the plunger presses the article to be wrapped. against the wrapping material.

4. An article wrapping machine, including in combination, a forming box having an inlet opening, means for delivering an article to be wrapped to a position adjacent said inlet opening, and means on all sides of said inlet opening for aligning said article with the opening, some of said means being stationary and other of said means being resilient and adapted to press the article against the stationary means.

5. An article wrapping machine, including in combination, a forming box having an inlet opening, a plurality of clamping means arranged about the edges of said opening for engaging a section of wrapping material to align the same with respect to said inlet opening, a plurality of resilient holding means also arranged about said opening adapted to hold an article to be wrapped in alignment with the opening and in spaced relation to the wrapping material, and a plunger arranged to press the wrapping material and the article to be wrapped into the forming box through said opening, the clamping means holding the wrapping material being actuated todisengage the same in response tomovement of the plunger.

6. A wrapping machine for applying a wrapper to a square article, including in combination, a forming box having inlet and outlet openings, means for positioning adjacent said inlet opening a section of wrapping material preformed to cover the article to be wrapped without any substantial overlap, means for positioning the article to be wrapped adjacent said section of wrapping material and in alignment with said inlet opening, plunger means for pressing the article to be wrapped and the wrapping material into the forming box through said inlet opening whereby the wrapping material is applied to five sides of the square article, and plunger means for pressing the article and wrapping material out of said forming box through said outlet opening whereby the wrapping material is applied to the sixth side of the article.

'7. A wrapping machine for applying a wrapper to a square article, including in combination, a 

